Inquiry into H. Williams collapse
Keating sought an inquiry into the collapse and the circumstances that could allow it to happen again. Brennan said the public had heard the details and a liquidator was carrying out statutory duties, so he did not consider an inquiry necessary.
Will the Minister answer the second part of the question which is perhaps the more important part? The same circumstances still apply and the same thing could happen again. So why not some form——
Comment on this
Of course, but I thought it would be a good idea if I replied to the questions in the order in which they were asked. The second question was in regard to whether an inquiry was needed. The public are aware now of the whole saga of H. Williams. It has been put before the House. Details I have given now, such as the number of stores, what is happening to them, who is owning them, represent the position. There is a liquidator in place in H. Williams at the moment and he has statutory duties to finish out the liquidation of the H. Williams company. Therefore, in that context an inquiry would not be sensible and I do not think it is necessary just now.